Hotel Smoking: UPDATE

Posted on December 20, 2011 by James Anest

So, I was on an epic drive from the East Coast to the Midwest recently and on that drive i received a call from Marriott Corporate saying that all the charges regarding the Marriott Smoking charge in San Diego was going to be returned to my credit card. I immediately was relieved and told the representative at Corporate that it was “the right thing to do”…and it was, because I was getting ready to not be very pleasant with Marriott. You see it was getting personal.

Flashback to the end of October…if you don’t know what’s been going on with my saga with the Courtyard Marriott in San Diego, I invite you to now read my previous BLOG Entry on Hotel Smoking Gone Bad…then come back here…

Go ahead…I’ll wait… :-)

—-for those of you who have read that post…read on…

as you now know, Courtyard Marriott at San Diego Mission Valley/Hotel Circle was not so pleasant to Moi. The manager there thought he had a pretty solid case of a guest in one of his rooms smoking and thus he would drop the hammer and teach that boy a lesson. A very expensive lesson to not smoke in one of his hotel rooms again…to the tune of $265 buck-uh-roll-eez, Buckaroos!! Well, once I heard that that I was this manager’s Hukelberry, I did what any unhappy customer does…started spreading the news…and this is where the story continues…

Once I left town…I immediately got on the horn with all of my Twitter friends. all 2,500 of them…I started Hash Tagging and saying what rascals Marriott was being in regards to my situation. I wrote my first BLOG entry about it…now you know that, right?! I contacted news outlets with letters about my situation and began digging…and digging..and what I found was not very pleasant for any consumer-any potential hotel guest at ANY hotel! I’m not the apathetic type…never have been…never will be. Just sayin’. And because of this and only this…I got results. I made waves. I even contacted a lawyer…
I continued to make calls and I called out Marriott International Corporate on my Twitter to look into my situation. I got a message then a call from them. Kudos to Marriott Corporate. But I state here…I had once already contact Marriott Corporate and was brushed off (make sure you read my previous BLOG for the running account of this)…so, now I had their attention…in front of all their followers on Twitter, etc.
Marriott Corporate followed up and I talked to a nice and courteous representative that said he would follow up and that it would take a few days. He was true to his form…in a few days made the aforementioned call.
All good right?
Well, not quite…

I checked my credit card a few days after and saw that there was a charge removed…but not the entire amount. About 15 dollars was not. Hmmmmm…..A little dig from the local Courtyard, I presume. I am disputing and will get that off too…but how nice of them to do that right?
Also, no apology, nothing. Just the phone call saying that the charges would be taken off…and of course, saying that Marriott has strict guidelines as to this type of charge…which I think Corporate does have…the problem is that this is a Franchise…look how large they are…it’s impossible to keep QC if you run a company this way….You charge and charge you do…and hope the charge-ee doesn’t fight it because it’s too big of an issue for them or they just don’t have the time. Whatever…NO! NOT “Whatever”! This is wrong! It’s White Collar Crime!

The issue also was that there wasn’t any evidence on the claim that I smoked in that hotel room. NONE. What? Some ashes and smoke smell in the bathroom/toilet? What a crock! This is what the Courtyard Marriott in San Diego based their entire $280 “smoking” charge on? Really? I had to go through these great lengths to get this removed….How arbitrary. How much power these people that work behind those counters have….wow! I’m blown away! Just like Art C., the rude, and inarticulate Manager at that Courtyard who, after pleading my case and him, knowing what lame evidence they had at best, proceeded to try and teach me a lesson for some quota he had…or to save face as a “hard ass” because he’s always right on everything…you know the personality type…

Well, I guess I couldn’t even think of an apology, even at this Holiday Season. I won’t even hold my breath. Maybe they already think that they might be open to some kind of Legal Action (and they already are but that’s another story…) because they dropped the charge. Maybe they should have thought about all of this when I called and stated I didn’t smoke, and to take that a little more seriously looking into their protocol and follow up instead of trying to be some version of John Wayne.

Well, there you have it. The saga.
Stay cool everyone. And if you lose your cool, make sure it’s for a good reason.

Happy Holidays Buckaroos!

JA

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The Freezer and the Old Stove

Posted on November 21, 2011 by James Anest

The other day, I was in Burbank visiting with an acquaintance. He had asked me to assess a possible plumbing project and see if I’d be interested in helping him out with it. After looking at it, I agreed to help him and we began to attack. He wanted to tap into a cold water line in his garage and run a small line to his newly bought freezer that had an ice maker in it. I asked him where the newly bought freezer was and he told me that it was being delivered tomorrow but we could look at it now if I wanted to, it was just down the street. So we headed off…

When we approached, I realized it wasn’t an appliance store per se, it was shop that bought old freezers, stoves and either renovated them or sold them “as-is”. “Ok”, I thought…we entered the store and what I saw was pretty amazing/astonishing. Stoves of all eras jammed on to every square inch of the this fairly-good-sized shop…all “old” that seemed to have been nicely refurbished. Mainly stoves from the 1940’s (WWII Era). Wow! I had always liked that style of stove, and there they were lining each side of two isles! Wow! History everywhere!

As we went towards the back, we were greeted by a rather large man who when we stated that we were there to see the freezer, turns towards the back area and says, “Grandma! Someone’s here to see you…”. Enter Grandma. A lady in her early to mid 60s…heavy set…there were no cordials, just were led to the back area where this freezer was sitting, plugged in. “Yep!, it’s a freezer”, I thought (I was still thinking about the showroom…).

After we got the information we needed about the freezer, we finally worked our way back to the main show room area. I couldn’t help myself…”That’s an oldie!…do you refurbish these stoves?”…well that triggered a lot of information from Grandma. Grandma proceeded to inform me about all kinds of stoves and how they took these stoves, down to the bare essentials and then rebuilt them to “original” condition…that is, except for the clocks. The guy she had died and now no one around knows enough about those stove clocks to fix them and keep them working. There’s apparently all kinds of issues with these clocks since they sit right above the heat and the heat is what burns them up…not very good design on that front.

After about 15 minutes of conversation, I could see my friend getting a bit antsy so I decided to cut out…It was a great experience.

There’s something about history. I don’t think many of us realize how closely we are connected to it. Especially with all the modern amenities we have today…but I not only talk about things…I talk about happenings and where we’ve been as a people and a country. Musically and philosophically…artistically and religiously…all of it.

Of course, this is a Doctoral Thesis waiting to happen by someone much more eloquent than I…but it’s food for thought…for all of us. Those old stoves worked. They were well-made and they were built to last. Will we be rebuilding microwaves of the early 80’s any time soon? How about that “modern” stove you now have in your kitchen? Do you think that will be considered something of great value that works better that your new future stove? Something that needs to be refurbished in 80 years from now?

JA

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Hotel Smoking Fee Gone Bad

Posted on November 3, 2011 by James Anest

As many of you now know, I do and have traveled a fair amount, stayed in some of the best hotels, flown about every major airline and dealt with plenty (good and bad) along the way.
I write this because I HAVE to report one of the most bizarre and maddening things that recently happened to me. I write this because of my frustration and anger but also so all of you out there in cyber land will be aware of this and hopefully circumvent this from happening to you.

About a week ago (the weekend of Halloween 2011), I had a Gig (singing job) in San Diego, CA. I was asked to sing at a private birthday party for a couple who was about to be married the next night. This was their rehearsal dinner/party. It was a great time surprising the about-to-be-newly-weds with some Broadway, Opera and Italian Neapolitan Songs. Everyone had a great time. I returned to my hotel, The Marriott Courtyard San Diego Mission Valley to retire for the night.

As all hotels go, this one was nondescript and pretty much average for this type of hotel-pedestrian. Fine for what I needed it to be-a place to rest and get out of town in the morning.

I got up the next morning without drama and headed back up to Los Angeles for the remainder of the weekend.

Fast Forward a few days…

Sitting at my computer to pay some bills, I went online to my Credit Card to look at charges. I see a charge for 268.00 from Marriott, the Hotel I stayed at for my singing gig a few nights before.

I immediately called the hotel and was told that this was a “Smoking Charge” attached to the room. I then asked who was smoking and I was told I was. I then, as I usually do, bypass whoever I’m talking to and ask for the manager. I then experienced a man by the name of Art Colliente at the aforementioned hotel. I again asked what the exorbitant charge was and he reaffirmed the previous representative’s comment. It indeed was a “Smoking Charge” attached to my room. I then again asked, “who was smoking?” This man then said “You were!”. Well, I then proceeded to tell him that I do not smoke, nor have I EVER smoked. I then asked him why he thought this and the response I got was one for the books: “There was paraphernalia in the room, let’s just leave it at that….”. Wow! I was dumbfounded and then quite irritated. I asked him who saw this “Paraphernalia” and Mr. Colliente got hostile with me saying, “You were smoking in the room and I am not removing the charge…the only thing you can do is call your credit card company and dispute it.”. Well, I was astounded…I have never smoked in a room, nor am I a smoker. I had no one in the room that smoked and now I was faced with a situation that I write about, Accused of something I didn’t do. Worse of all, there seems to be NO recourse for this kind of erroneous behavior by a Company in this situation.

I have done some research in this arena and have found some very interesting results. Case after case of Hotels charging their customers for smoking in the room. News Channels have done exposes and articles about it.

What’s really interesting is that not more than a couple of weeks ago, I was in Hawaii at the Kona Fairmont Orchid. At that hotel, I called the front desk because I kept smelling smoke while I was sitting in my room. It got to the point that the manager at the hotel sent me a nice note apologizing for the incident with some Macadamia Nuts.

It bewilders me when I asked “What is your evidence?” This person who represents Marriott can blatantly give me verbiage that is so vague and finite and then accuse me of an act I didn’t do and with Gestapo-type tactics, charge me and then not do anything about it.

Well, they might be right on that front…we will have to see. I did take Mr. Colliente’s advice and immediately called my Credit Card company and filed a dispute.
But one thing is that I do know the power of Social Media. I also enjoy writing letters and calling people. And that’s what I’ve begun doing. I have called Marriott Corporate. I was told that they cannot do anything about it (I believe this because Marriott is a franchise and therefore Marriott is only in name on most of their Hotels and not directly managed by Marriott, per se) and that I have to take it up with the actual hotel. With Mr. Colliente…can you believe it? Well, believe it. That’s what I was told.

I also urge all you travelers that are planning on staying with any Marriott Chain Hotel or any other for that matter to read the fine print when you check in. Most now make you initial a little box that says if you “smoke” in a nonsmoking room you will be charged…and charged you will be. Sometimes whether you did or not. Think twice about this. Also think about how you would circumvent this charge from happening to you. Even going so far as to considering “What if I was going to be charged this smoking charge…?” What would you do before you checked out to prevent this. Crazy huh? How would you? I’d like to know your thoughts. I would also like to know if you’ve experienced anything like this.

I’m attaching some interesting links for you if you’d like to see what been out there on this topic.

Happy Travels! Most of the time they are fine.

JA

LINKS:
Triatheletes Charged for a Smoking Fee in a Comfort Inn.
NON Smoker gets slapped a “smoking charge” in NY.
Google Review of this #Marriott hotel.
Sheraton Sonoma County – Petaluma slammed a guest $200 for smoking…but wasn’t.
La Quinta in Louisiana slams a couple who didn’t smoke. Via Trip Advisor.
USA Today Travel featured a couple who were slammed by a Hyatt.

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An Interview with James

Posted on July 21, 2011 by James Anest

I was asked to give an interview recently…ck the link below…
Quick Online Interview with James Anest

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Kung Fu Panda 2: Movie Review

Posted on June 25, 2011 by James Anest

I start this review with a note about “known” actors doing voice-over work in animated movies:  Sometimes it works…sometimes it doesn’t…and sometimes it’s just not necessary.  I feel the latter in the latest Kung Fu Panda movie. To get what I might be getting at, I’ve listed the more “notable” voices in this movie.

Jack Black as the film’s main protagonist Po, a Giant Panda; Dustin Hoffman as Shifu, a Red Panda; Angelina Jolie as Tigress, a South China Tiger; Ian McShane as the film’s main antagonist Tai Lung, a Snow Leopard; Jackie Chan as Monkey, a Gee’s golden langur; Seth Rogen as Mantis, a Chinese mantis; Lucy Liu as Viper, a Green Tree Viper; David Cross as Crane, a Red-crowned Crane; James Hong as Mr. Ping, a Chinese goose; Dan Fogler as Zeng, a Chinese goose.

I know many of you might be fans of these actors (are your kids?), but I’m not sure the budget to get them was necessary.  There are many many excellent voice-over actors that are experts in this field and that frankly, could use the work.  How often do you see voice over actors in front of the camera?  I’m sure there are a few, but I cannot really think of any right now…other than the famous “movie trailer” voice that did a few insurance commercials recently.

The movie, in my opinion, was not as good as Kung Fu Panda I, but it was charming and it did have a message that wasn’t profound and over the top as some movies of this kind I’ve seen lately-a relief.

If you have to choose between the Jim Carey movie that’s currently out and this one for your family, choose this one.  Unless you want to see a regurgitated “Ace Ventura” movie!  Cammon’ Hollywood!  Get creative!

 

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Posted on June 3, 2011 by James Anest

“Green Lantern”:  A Review by HC.

You don’t gamble $150,000,000 on what is supposed to be the summer’s hottest action movie by casting Ryan Reynolds, an actor with a wimpy voice and then outfit him in a ridiculous suit that makes him look like the Grand Marshall at the West Hollywood Mayday Parade.

“Green Lantern” could be the best unintentional comedy since Jake Gyllenhaal as The Prince of Persia.

HC

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Belize

Posted on April 27, 2011 by James Anest

Sorry I have not posted in a while. I’m not really holding true to my commitment to what I said I would do on this BLOG, but I can say I have been pretty busy with a lot of irons in the fire…one iron is recounted below.

Recently I returned from a crazy time in the Central American country of Belize.  My time down there was mostly for work, as I was invited by my friend and fellow Broadway singer Sean McDermott to be his guest for a concert opening a new theater and to benefit a local Women’s Shelter.  He also wanted to “mix up the program” by including a fair amount of Country and Western music in the second half of the program and that he had invited a mutual friend of ours-Kara Shaw, a fine performer in her own right to add variety to the program he had envisioned.

Sean is a annual favorite in the area, and had done several Broadway concerts in the past.  This time, he was invited to perform and promote several songs from his hot-off-the-press CD entitled “You’re Not Alone” (graphics done by yours truly…more on that another time) which was a mix of pop covers and new material.

The three of us had worked on Country material (and performed) in the past, but we would have to augment that program by several songs as well as compile a completely new program in a very short period of time, which made it maddening and exciting, collectively.

In the end, the show went off very well.  It was well-attended, we raised a lot of money for the Shelter and we had a great time meeting with many people afterwards.  Sean, Kara and I also realized that we work well together and most enjoyed singing the Country material.  We have been asked to possibly do more of these types of shows so I’ll keep you posted on that front as well.

Concert in Belize 2011

Singing Broadway, Pop and Country and Western.

I am planning on posting a few video snippets from the concert on my website www.jamesanest.com or on this BLOG.  Not sure yet, but I’ll keep you abreast.

Thanks so much for all of your support!  Get out there and see a show!

JA

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“Source Code” a good movie in spite of Jake Gyllenhaal -A Movie Review by H.C>

Posted on April 7, 2011 by James Anest

“Source Code” is a taut, well written, well directed and with one one exception, well acted Sci-fi thriller, with a standout supporting performance from Vera Farmiga. The only sour notes are the not so special unconvincing CGI effects and the usual bland, boring performance from Jake Gyllenhaal, who simply can’t act and has no discernible charisma to make up for it. Gyllenhaal is a geek with a good haircut being passed off as a leading man, which he is not. He is not even a competent actor here. But fortunately for all involved, especially the audience, Gyllenhaal’s miscasting does not completely destroy the film’s credibility so “Source Code” is still a film worth seeing in spite of Gyllenhaal’s non presence and especially for Farmiga’s brilliant acting.

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ELIZABETH TAYLOR: A Remembrance -by H.C.

Posted on April 2, 2011 by James Anest

Since her passing last week, a lot has been said and written about ElizabethTaylor.  I only met her once in the mid 1970s and it was very brief but cordial.  She seemed to be a very gracious and refined lady with distinctive violet blue eyes and a loud, gutsy laugh when something struck her as appropriately funny.  I greatly admired her as a film actress.

Although I was not old enough to have seen her 1950s thru early 1960s films in their premiere releases, thanks to a revival film series that ran in one of my family’s movie theaters in the early 1970s I got to see three of her best 1950s & 60s pictures: CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, CLEOPATRA, and most significant in my memory, RAINTREE COUNTY.  Although an artistic and critical disappointment compared to the other two films, 1957’s “Raintree County” offered, for the first time in an ultra high resolution 70mm film process, the breathtaking beauty of a young adult Elizabeth Taylor.  Taylor’s entrance shot about a half hour into the picture never failed to elicit gasps from male and female members of the audience in every showing we had of the film.  Yes, the mere sight of her was that overwhelming, especially those eyes.  I suspect this was the reaction in other venues where Raintree County was exhibited as well.  I have never witnessed such a response to any other actress in any other motion picture since.  I seriously doubt if any film actress today has such power; compared to Taylor they are all just ordinary women.  She could have had an entire career resting on her beauty but as the other two pictures (and several more) illustrate, she was also a brilliant actress who infused more into her characters than they sometimes deserved.

The mere fact that I feel compelled to pay tribute to a movie star who’s last starring film role was over 30 years ago, is a testament to Elizabeth Taylor’s enduring power.  I will never forget the sight of her astounding beauty in “Raintree County” and her equally unforgettable accomplishments as one of the great film actresses of the 20th. Century and most of all, one ofthe last genuine personifications of that rapidly vanishing breed known as the “Movie Star”.

Elizabeth Taylor in Raintree County

Beautiful Elizabeth Taylor in Raintree County

-HC

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*THE LINCOLN LAWYER: McConaughey’s Best Performance in Years!*-A Movie Review by H.C.

Posted on March 29, 2011 by James Anest

*THE LINCOLN LAWYER: McConaughey’s Best Performance in Years!*

THE LINCOLN LAWYER is a superbly acted, written and directed film with Matthew McConaughey’s best performance in years and much welcome after a string of lightheaded romantic comedies with miscast leading ladies with whom he showed little or no sparks.  Not the case here as Marisa Tomei matches and challenges him and the two display appropriate, character driven chemistry in all their scenes together.  Add to that able support from the always reliable Bill Macy, Francis Fisher, Josh Lucas, Bob Gunton and an especially nasty and convincing performance from Ryan Phillippe and you’ve got a taut, gripping courtroom thriller in the tradition of Perry Mason but with modern sensibilities.

This is the year’s first “must see” film.

A Good Movie

Lincoln Lawyer...see it.

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